Question · Q3 2025
Andrés Castanos Müller requested an update on the progress of the Codelco deal, including pending milestones and the implications if it doesn't close by the end of 2025. He also asked for an indication of the expected mix of spodumene and hydroxide production from Australia in 2026.
Answer
Ricardo Ramos, General Manager and CEO, SQM, confirmed that the China Antitrust Authority approval was the last external authorization needed. He stated that the agreements between Corfo and Codelco are currently under review by Contraloría in Chile, with expectations for a positive review and deal closure before year-end, with no alternative plan. Mark Fones, Vice President of Strategies and M&A Lithium, SQM, indicated that the 2026 budget for Mount Holland production is not yet finalized, but the mine and concentrator are expected to operate at capacity, with SQM receiving half of the spodumene concentrate. He added that the Kwinana refinery will ramp up production, aiming to reach near nameplate capacity by the end of 2026, but the exact hydroxide volume is still to be determined.
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